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Local club pros have differing opinions on belly putter ruling

When we resumed this blog about a month ago, we mentioned that we were in the process of putting together a sounding board of sorts comprised of five club pros in the area to address issues pertinent to South Florida golfers. It’s time for our first entry and the subject is a controversial one: belly putters.

Much has been said and written since the USGA announced in late November that, starting in 2016, players would no longer be able to anchor a club against their bodies before making a stroke.

The PGA of America subsequently polled its membership on the subject and found that two-thirds opposed the new rule. At a round table at the 60th annual PGA Merchandise Show last week in Orlando, the matter came up for discussion and the possibility of “bifurcation” _ that is, have different rules for the PGA Tour and regular players _ has been discussed.

We took the question to our panel, comprised of club pros Dan Hager of the Links of Boynton Beach, Tim Collins of The Breakers, Todd Leckrone of Atlantis Country Club, Brian Peaper of Lost Tree Village and Gerry Knebles of Willoughby CC in Stuart.

Before we get their thoughts, just a word on how this group was put together. The feeling was that since Palm Beach and Martin counties are comprised of public, private and resort facilities, each should be represented. Also, since Martin County golfers are as fixated on the game as their counterparts to the south, that county should have a representative.

As you shall see, our panel found little common ground on the matter.

Hager: “I’m an old-school traditionalist. I applaud the USGA when it steps in and serve as watchdog protecting the integrity of game, and the way it’s been played all along. If everybody was on the same playing field before there were belly putters, and the fact that it’s helped those who were not able to do as well without it, that speaks volumes to me as far as saying I don’t like it.

“You can go back even further with the side-saddle putters, when that resurrected Sam Snead’s career, they did away with that too. I just think you’re getting away from the traditional way the game is being played. It throws a red flag up for me.

“More to point, if you and I are great baseball players, and now I start petering out because I can’t hit it as far, but then I get a corked bat and I’m right back in it, that’s not fair. I’m also the guy who said Casey Martin shouldn’t be allowed to ride in a golf cart. It’s too bad, but rules are rules and you can’t make exceptions.

Having said that, it’s not going to break my heart either way they go. It’s a close call.”

Collins: “I thought Arnold Palmer had a great idea when he got with Callaway 10 or 12 years ago and they talked about having one set of equipment for recreational players and another for Tour players. And I’ve always felt the rules are too tough for recreational players; out of bounds, for example, is too much of a penalty for the average Joe.

“I think they should absolutely have recreational club rules vs. Tour rules. I have a nine-year-old son and I want to teach him the rules to play the right way, but some of these rules – are you kidding me?

“I’m in favor of whatever guys want to use, as long as they keep playing. They can use a tennis racquet for all I care.”

Leckrone: “I agree with (Collins). The game is much better off with the Bernhard Langers of the world putting with the long putter. We should rather have them in the game than not in the game. So if the long putter is what it takes to keep him and guys like him in the game, more power to them. I’m not against the belly putter at all.

“As far as helping the older players, I’m not sure statistically where that falls. I would need to see the numbers to show me it’s only older players who are benefiting from the belly putter. Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson use it.

“I think the rules should be designed more for the enjoyment of the game than for the PGA Tour or making a living at the game. Of course, now you get into the argument of whether there should be two sets of rules, one for those making a living at it and another for recreational players. I’m OK with that.

“But the game is better off for having a spokesman like Bernhard Langer in it. That’s what matters to me.”

Peaper: “The longer this goes without a resolution, the tougher it gets to know which side to be on. I see good points on both sides, but for the betterment of the game they should probably go ahead and take the anchoring out. But it’s a tough one. It’s kind of harsh, but if you have certain rules for the amateur at the club and state level and then different ones for the guys on Tour, you get into where the division starts and ends and how to govern it.”

Knebles: “I think it might be time for a set of different rules to emerge between the pro tours and the country club players. The game the Tour guys play is a lot different from the one the amateurs play, so maybe the time has come to have two sets of rules to keep the fairness.”

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